Reversal of ethanol induced body dehydration with prolonged consumption in rats

Ethanol induced negative water balance has been previously inferred from fluid turnover rates upon initial exposure followed by restored normal fluid balance with prolonged exposure. The first two experiments of the present investigation noted hypovolemia and carcass dehydration during the initial few days of forced choice maintenance on 10% ethanol with recovery to near normal levels of intravascular volume and carcass water after 2 months of forced consumption. A third experiment attempted to test whether the alcohol induced dehydration could be corrected with the administration of exogenous ADH.